European Forum

First female PM appointed in Croatia

Following a debate that lasted nearly the entire day, the Parliament of Croatia last night approved the formation of a new government which will be headed by the new Prime Minister, Jadranka Kosor. Croatia has thus a female Prime Minister for the first time since its independence in 1991. She was given the post of PM when her predecessor Ivo Sanader unexpectedly and without giving a reason resigned last week.

Kosor’s new government, which needed the support of at least 77 of the parliament’s 153 MPs, received 83 votes for and 45 votes against. Before the vote of confidence, nevertheless, a heated debate took place between the ruling coalition that offered Kosor its support, and the opposition which called for early elections. As Kosor announced in parliament this morning, her government will include four deputy PMs, five new ministers and one new ministry.

Kosor was deputy PM in the former administration. She told media that one of her priorities as PM would be the recession in which the country finds itself, as well as getting Croatia into the EU. “Our task is to move on without delay and put our agenda into practice. Our biggest priority will be ensuring economic stability, recovery and growth.” she told parliament.

Croatia’s hopes of joining the EU stalled when neighbour Slovenia disputed part of their shared border. Kosor must solve that before talks with Brussels can continue. This problem as well as the growing recession are the main challenges of the new government. The government cannot permit itself any failures, otherwise early elections could follow.


Sources: B92; Euronews